Best 30-Year Mortgage Rates | March 2023

30-year mortgages are by far the most popular. Find out why and where to check rates.

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Below is SuperMoney's list of the best 30-year mortgage lenders. Check rates with multiple mortgage companies to see which one offers the best rates & terms.

Unless you are buying with cash, finding the right home is only half the struggle. Getting a home loan that meets your budget and needs can be a real challenge. There are so many types of mortgages and confusing jargon, it is hard for first-time homebuyers to decide which home loan is best for them. Are you considering a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage? Not sure if it's the best fit for you. Here's what you need to know.

How do 30-year mortgages work?

In a nutshell, 30-year mortgages are designed to be paid off in 30 years if every payment is made as scheduled.

Mortgages with 30-year terms have lower monthly payments. However, it also means you will be paying interest on the principal you borrow for longer, which increases the cost of the loan substantially. 30-year mortgages also tend to have higher interest rates than mortgages with shorter terms. So what does this mean for you? With a 30-year mortgage, you will pay less every month, but you will also make payments for longer, and it will cost you thousands of dollars more in interest.

What are the pros and cons of a 30-year mortgage?

Approximately 7 out of every 10 mortgages has a 30-year term. What makes them so popular? Let's have a look at the main advantages and disadvantages of 30-year mortgages.

WEIGH THE RISKS AND BENEFITS

Here is a list of the benefits and the drawbacks to consider when shopping for 30-year mortgages.

Pros

Lower payments: Mortgages with 30-year terms have more affordable monthly payments because they stretch out the repayment of the loan.
More flexibility: You have the option of paying the loan faster by making extra payments, but you can stick with the lower payments when necessary.
Easier to qualify for them: The lower payments allow more borrowers to meet the eligibility requirements of lenders.
Larger tax deductions: It's a thin silver lining, but the higher interest rates of 30-year mortgages -- and the fact most of your payments in the early years go toward paying interest -- do give some borrowers higher tax deductions.
Allows you to qualify for more expensive homes: Since the payments are stretched over a longer period, you can borrow more money than if you went with a shorter term.
Easier to budget: Knowing what your mortgage payments will be for the next three decades regardless of what happens to the economy does provide you with peace of mind.

How to get the best mortgage lenders for a 30-year fixed mortgage rate

To get the best deal on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and get the lowest monthly payments possible, you'll need to get a few things in order.

First, get your credit score in the best shape possible. Then, start working on it in the months or even years leading up to buying a house. Ensure your debt utilization is low (under 30%), make your payments on time, maintain a variety of credit types, and check periodically for inaccuracies.
Build your savings. Showing you have money saved up in the bank makes you less of a risk as you have a backup system in place to make your payments.
Don't change jobs. If you can maintain the same job, it helps to show consistency to lenders, which reduces the level of risk you present.
You'll need to shop around. Learn the average mortgage rates in the market and be aware of market conditions. Are rates supposed to go up or down in the near future? If they are going to go up, consider a rate lock. Also, be sure to check with a few reputable lenders to ensure you get a competitive deal.

A little planning can save you a few basis points to a few percentage points, which makes a big difference over the life of the loan.

How do I know if a 30-year mortgage is the best option for me?

There are so many choices to make when shopping for a mortgage it can be overwhelming. The good news is that a little research is all it takes to narrow down your best options.

Are you planning to move in a few years? Do you have the flexibility to deal with increased payments if mortgage rates rise? Is paying off your mortgage as fast as possible a priority for you? Then you may want to consider an adjusted rate mortgage (ARM) or a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage.

However, if you value having greater flexibility, predictable payments, lower monthly payments, and plan to stay put for many years, then a 30-year mortgage may be the best option.

Choosing a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is a solid choice for long-term borrowers who value the lower monthly payments and predictability of longer-term mortgages over paying lower interest rates and saving money on the total cost of the loan.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SuperMoney

SuperMoney is the most comprehensive financial services comparison site around. We have published hundreds of personal finance articles and provide detailed reviews on thousands of financial products and services. Our unbiased advice and free comparison tools help consumers make smart financial decisions based on hard data, not marketing gimmicks.